Ashlands, The Gladiator Arena

This battle is all about managing your Chaos Meter, which you'll require for the final challenge this arena has to offer. In the arena you'll encounter enemies on horseback for the first time. You can attack these enemies with your sword like any others, but close range combat has its consequences. You can always use Mercy to drain their substantial health bars from afar when locked on; don't just wait for them to attack.

When the Abyssal Riders come close use scythe and sword combos on them. If their horses rear up, dash away to avoid damage. There is a Chest (Ashlands Chest 15/25) with health on one side of the arena and another health Chest (Ashlands Chest 16/25) on the opposite side, so stick near these in case you need them.

Fell the first Rider and two more will appear. Make sure to weaken these with Mercy while they circle far away. When they move in, use wise-range attacks like Blade Geyser and the scythe to hit them. When the riders are stunned they slow down and you can hit them with everything you've got.

Do not use the Chaos Form for now -- you need to save it for the final challenge. A third wave of enemies arrives with two Traumas. Resist using Chaos Form on these as well. Just dash in to attack and then dash out again. If they crowd you and you have no other choice, use Chaos Form, but realize you'll have to build it back up again for the final fight.

Ashlands, Abyssal Gladiator

The Abyssal Gladiator now appears. Immediately fire at him with Mercy. He'll summon blasts of blue fire that you can just avoid by strafing. When he pulls away from you and the horse hooves the dirt, get ready to dash out of the way.

It's best to stay on the offensive in this portion of the fight. Wrath, sword and scythe attacks can be used to damage your foe so long as he is nearby. When the horse rears, dash away quickly.

When you stun the Gladiator he'll go limp and you'll be able to attack him freely. This should happen fairly quickly. You want to make absolutely sure you have a full Chaos Meter so slash him as much as possible.

When a prompt appears above the Abyssal Gladiator you'll be able to yank him from his steed. On two feet the Gladiator is much more powerful -- but you've been saving Chaos Form for just this moment!

Activate Chaos form and attack the Abyssal Gladiator. You'll be able to end the battle in seconds. Your reward is great: a steed of your own!

Horse Profile: Ruin

War & Ruin are reunited. While riding Ruin, sword attacks become very powerful.

You can summon Ruin in any open area using the shoulder buttons. You can dash normally and perform a powerful kicking/pounding attack by hitting the secondary weapon button. Ride around the arena and take out the enemies with your new attacks.